Qalb conference urges youth to explore, connect an…

Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said Pakistan must become a “hard state” where the Constitution and law are applied equally to everyone, stressing that strong governance is essential to defeating terrorism and ensuring lasting peace. He rejected claims that the security situation in Balochistan is worsening, calling them part of a deliberate campaign to create a false perception about the province. Addressing a detailed press conference on Friday, the military spokesperson said Pakistan’s security forces continue to make significant gains against terrorism through sustained intelligence-based operations across the country. Lt Gen Chaudhry said a total of 40,348 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) have been carried out so far this year by the armed forces, police, intelligence agencies and civil armed forces. More than 31,000 of these operations were conducted in Balochistan, reflecting the state’s continued focus on restoring peace in the province. He said Pakistan recorded 3,145 terrorism-related incidents during 2026. Of these, 1,971 incidents occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 1,148 in Balochistan and 26 in other parts of the country. The ISPR chief said security forces killed 2,084 confirmed terrorists during operations this year, describing it as the highest average in the country’s history. On average, around 10 terrorists have been eliminated every day, while nearly 200 intelligence-based operations are conducted daily. Highlighting the sacrifices made in the fight against terrorism, Lt Gen Chaudhry said 819 Pakistanis lost their lives in terrorism-related incidents this year. The victims included 303 military personnel, 194 members of police and civil armed forces, and 322 civilians. He also revealed that 28 suicide attacks had taken place across the country during the year. According to him, most of these attacks involved Afghan nationals or individuals linked to groups operating from Afghan territory. The military spokesperson said the rise in terrorist attacks should not be viewed as a sign of weakness. Instead, he argued that militant groups have intensified attacks because of increasing pressure from proactive security operations and repeated battlefield setbacks. Lt Gen Chaudhry also accused the Afghan Taliban administration of allowing terrorist groups to operate from Afghan soil, claiming cross-border support remains a major factor behind terrorism inside Pakistan. Explaining his vision of a “hard state,” he said it does not mean military rule. Rather, it refers to a country where institutions function according to the Constitution, laws are enforced fairly, and no individual or group stands above the law. Referring to Article 5 of Pakistan’s Constitution, he said loyalty to the state and obedience to the Constitution are fundamental duties of every citizen. He added that discussions about rights must also include recognition of civic responsibilities. Speaking specifically about Balochistan, Lt Gen Chaudhry said the province’s real challenge lies with certain elites and tribal leaders who seek to preserve the existing power structure. He alleged that some influential groups oppose educational and economic progress because they fear losing their traditional influence. He further claimed that some individuals benefit from illegal activities, including smuggling and other criminal networks, and promote unrest whenever the state strengthens law enforcement or cracks down on such activities. The military spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan would not negotiate with terrorist groups or those using violence for political purposes. Instead, he said the armed forces would continue engaging directly with the people of Balochistan, whom he described as the province’s true stakeholders. Lt Gen Chaudhry also alleged that hostile foreign powers are attempting to exploit Balochistan’s strategic location and natural resources by supporting anti-state elements in collaboration with local actors opposed to reforms and development. Discussing the issue of missing persons, he said the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances has received 10,901 complaints since its establishment. Of these, 9,372 cases have been resolved, with 4,896 individuals returning home, around 1,030 found in prisons, 308 confirmed dead, and nearly 2,400 complaints determined to be incorrectly reported. He added that 2,933 complaints originated from Balochistan, of which 2,767 have already been resolved.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has launched Vision Pakistan 2047, a long-term national development framework focused on economic growth, youth empowerment, employment, education, technology and sustainable development. Addressing a youth event in Islamabad, the prime minister pledged to do everything within his power for the prosperity and employment of young Pakistanis as long as he remained responsible for serving the country. Shehbaz said Pakistan’s founders built the country in 1947, while the Pakistan of 2047 would be shaped by the vision, energy and capabilities of its young generation. He urged students to prepare themselves to play a leading role in the country’s future development. Youth development is a major component of Vision Pakistan 2047. The government plans to expand opportunities in education, employment, entrepreneurship and technology so that young people can acquire skills required by the modern economy. The prime minister also announced Pakistan’s first national youth employment policy. Under the policy, women will have a 35 per cent share in the labour force, while 10 per cent of the allocation will be reserved for startups. The initiative aims not only to help young people find jobs but also encourage them to establish businesses and create employment for others. Shehbaz stressed that equal access to quality education was essential for building the welfare state envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam. He said talented children from villages and less-developed areas should receive opportunities comparable to those available to students from privileged backgrounds. The government plans to expand the Danish Schools network to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan. The initiative is intended to provide quality education to deserving students without financial barriers. A Danish University is also being established in Islamabad, with classes expected to begin next year. The institution will focus on modern education and emerging disciplines. The prime minister said Pakistan must increase its focus on information technology, artificial intelligence and technical education to remain competitive globally. He said 1,000 students had already been sent to China for training in agricultural technology, while high-achieving students would receive opportunities for IT and AI education. The government has also distributed around 700,000 laptops among deserving students. Another 250,000 laptops are expected to be provided to high-achieving students this year. Vision Pakistan 2047 will be aligned with the government’s Uraan Pakistan programme. Ministries and relevant institutions have been directed to set long-term targets covering economic transformation, human capital, technology, innovation, governance and sustainable development. The broader objective is to create a competitive and inclusive economy and move Pakistan towards a trillion-dollar economic target while improving living standards and expanding opportunities for its young population. Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan also addressed the gathering. He said the government was working continuously to create opportunities for young people and praised Shehbaz Sharif for initiatives taken for youth development.